For many years, short stories have always been a great way to entertain and captivate audiences. Short story writers employ a certain form of poise that allows them to lull the reader into a sense of security and enjoyment as the story continues. In short stories, many simplistic things are able to evolve throughout the story such as: characters, metaphors, symbols, and ideas that the author was trying to portray through the story. Stories can all be fun and games; however, sometimes the reader encounters a story that has intentions aimed at more than just pleasant entertainment. Another important part of the stories has to do with the setting and the time period that the author offers to the reader. Amy Griffin wrote an article analyzing The Lottery. In her article, Amy Griffin points out a very interesting fact that many at first glance would have no idea what Shirley Jackson was escaping. Griffin explains that it was believed that by transferring one's sins onto people or animals and then sacrificing them, the ancients believed their sins would be eliminated, a process that has been called the "scapegoat" archetype. In her short story "The Lottery", Shirley Jackson uses this archetype to build on man's inherent need for such ritual. (Griffin) In an article by Jay Yarmove, he further analyzes The Lottery. Yarmove confirms a statement made by Amy Griffin in her article also stating the historical significance of the “scapegoat” archetype. Yarmove also explains whether the date chosen by Shirley Jackson in The Lottery is not necessarily important in itself; this is what happens during the period around 1900. The town that Jackson wrote about resembles New England in that it is a farming community, is rich in stone, and all the inhabitants of the town have Anglo-Saxon names which seem to be common in the towns of New England. This conclusion is further evaluated by the history of New England witch trials such as those seen in the town of Salem. Unlike the witch trials that occurred in New England which were for personal gain, The Lottery appears to represent a fertility ritual that the town took part in every year to ensure that the crops would grow. Shirley Jackson using the "scapegoat" archetype is something many people can identify with. Athletes have a ritual for when they dress, attempt a free throw, a penalty shot, a penalty kick, a field goal, and even before a batter steps up to the plate in a baseball game; athletes believe their rituals will help ensure a